A dark romance with deadly games, a morally grey love interest and a conundrum to solve. I felt this was reminiscent of Caraval but more sinister and a lot spicier. I loved the fast pace, the New Orleans setting, the haunted house with it's ghosts, ghouls and phantoms and I was fully invested in the romance. Perfect for spooky season!

2⭐️

Slight spoilers ahead

I so SO badly wanted to love this and it kind of had me (almost) for the first third of the book, then it just lost me. I was really intrigued by the whole premise of the games, her abilities as a necromancer etc but honestly, it was all just such a let down.

PROS
Ghosts are cool?
I enjoyed the structure of the games
‘Touch her and die’

CONS
She is NOT and I mean NOT a girls girl (like damn Ophelia was such a bitch to Lucy right from the get go for absolutely no reason but pleasant as pie if a little snarky to all the hot attractive men)
BAD disability rep - did you know you can cure OCD with just getting dicked down
The outcome to finding her sister lmao so anticlimactic - where was she? What was she even doing?
Did the games actually make any logical sense? no not really
SUPER instalove.


Also this is compared to Caraval (which I also didn't like) and it's not even comparison it is literally the same book but with ghosts and a necromancer? Like unashamedly so.


I am usually one to try find positives in books, but I am so sorry I really disliked this one.

Ugh, this book. What can I say other than chokehold . . . I was enthralled from the beginning. The vibes were off the chart, the challenges were creative/unique, and the characters were memorable. Watching our FMC descent from scared and hesitant to wrathful and unapologetic. She was just done with their sh!t. The MMC oozed charisma with a mouth that would make anyone blush but he could also be so damn caring and attentive.

The narrator was amazing - occasionally with audiobooks, the jump between genders can be an off putting but this narrator did an amazing job. I will also say that OCD is a pretty large component of this book. I was scared to read this at first because I’ve dealt with OCD since childhood - have the diagnosis, medication, therapist, and soul crushing doubt. I don’t think many people understand what it feels like to be unable to trust your own mind unless you deal with OCD. Seeing this sensation play out in the story was a good experience for me. The author address this at the end and shared her own journey - I feel seen, bonded, and will be purchasing pretty much everything she writes.

I received the ebook as an Arc from NetGalley then purchased the physical book and audiobook on mine own. Thank you NetGalley!!

I had no clue what to expect with this story as I was unfamiliar with the author. Figured I’d give it a shot and pretty much was sucked in after a few chapters. The story moved at a steady pace and the secrets being revealed made it easy to enjoy. I loved watching the story unfold although it had some moments that were a bit cringe and some dialogue that was redundant. Still, a solid read that I would encourage others to check out. I’m glad I checked this out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

I am absolutely here for hot devils and gory trials inspired by the nine circles of Hell. This is a perfect spooky season read for those who love the supernatural, some spice and horror. I’ve never read a book that had a relationship between a human (or mortal) with a supernatural being before so Ophelia and Blackwell’s encounters were a bit weird for me at first but as it got steamier I was hooked! I loved the OCD representation and the use of repetitive wording to portray how Ophelia is feeling. I am excited to read more of the series and need the next book immediately!

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC! ✨

<B>DNF @ 22%</b>

i really tried but i genuinely cannot conjure up any interest at all in the plot or characters😭 and maybe if i read more this would change but im just currently in that reading phase of "i need to be hooked right away or i will lose interest FAST" so for my own sanity and to not fall into a slump, i'm putting this on an indefinite pause (who knows, maybe if im feeling in the right mood i might give this another shot!).

i do think the concept was quite interesting and is what caught my interest (along with that gorgeous fanart), so it might just be a case of "it's me, not the book", i just wish i cared enough about the characters at least to continue. im not invested at 22% and usually that's not so much of a good sign🫣

<I>Thank you Second Sky/Forever for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!</i>

I was drawn into this book based on all the hype it’s getting and I should have known better. I’m not saying it’s a bad book, it’s just not for me. I didn’t realize how spicy the book would be and I’m just not a fan of spice in books at all but the FOMO got me. If spice is your thing then you should definitely pick this one up.

I absolutely loved this book! Sexy and seductive I fell in love immediately with Blackwell and loved watching Ophelia make her way through the trials of Phantasma. If you’re looking for a spooky, occult themed read for October then this needs to be added to your TBR!

Think Hunger Games mixed with some dark magic (and some say Caraval although I couldn’t possibly say as I haven’t read it yet!) and a little bit of demons and spice and this is what you’re in for.

And there are a few twisty turns on the way to keep it interesting. . .

Okay, I'm not always a romance girly. Okay, well, I am, but I seldom review them. This is a needed exception. High spice, forced proximity, hauntings, BANTER (which I adore in spades on spades). That's all I needed to be sold. I'm actually going to reread this, and that never happens. 5.

I did NOT see that ending coming! WOW!!

In Phantasma author Kaylie Smith expertly blends tension, mystery, and desire. The competition set in the haunted mansion setting was such a cool way to tell Ophelia’s story.

Ophelia’s determination to save her sister is compelling, and with each trial of the competition we we see her resilience deepen. Smith’s writing draws you in with detailed descriptions and a palpable sense of dread, making it hard to put the book down.

I loved the dynamic between Ophelia and Blackwell . Blackwell’s arrogant, seductive demeanor makes him irresistible. Just the perfect blend of cocky and talky! It was easy to see why Ophelia’ fell for him.

I really appreciated the care that the author took in shaping Ophelia’s character, particularly her OCD and inner shadow voice. It was done truthfully and in a way that is respectful to individuals living with OCD.

Thank you to NetGalley, Second Sky/ Forever and Kaylie Smith for an early review copy. These are my honest thoughts.

When I saw the cover I was already sold with this book but then I saw it’s Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen and I didn’t simply want I NEEDED this book. Ophelia did kind of annoy me with some of her decisions but also the double standards at times with her and Blackwell. But other than that I absolutely LOVED this book!

The levels of Phantasma were the most fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed the Lust level 👀 Blackwell being summoned like beetlejucie by saying his name three times was unironically funny to me. I did guess the plot twist but I didn’t care because for one, I felt smart and two I still felt the stock of the plot twist when it happened because I wasn’t fully certain.

Her sister surprisingly didn’t annoy me like Donatella did in Caraval, she was actually barely even there. I at times forgot Ophelia went into Phantasma to save her because she wasn’t mentioned much. I am so excited for the next book being from Ophelia’s sisters pov and the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you to the author for trusting me to read/review this book as an arc

I get it now. Literally, I get why so many of us are obsessing over this book. Like, I am obsessing with the book right now. I literally need the next book in the series, hopefully. And I need to let you guys know why you need to read this book immediately. 

First, this book is a truly romantasy story. It has all of the right elements in the mixes. Second, the love interest, Blackwell, was perfect and villainous in every way. A true morally gray character that we can fall more in love with. Third, the endless banter between the side characters was too funny and entertaining to read. Each of these side characters needs to have their own book. Fourth, the spicy scenes were too hot and so freaking good. I literally more, please and thank you. Fifth, the unexpected twists were so crazy good. It kept me on the edge as I kept reading on. Lastly, I love the main character, Ophelia, representation in OCD. It truly represents how someone can feel when they are faced with challenges along the way. 

I just love this book so much that I need more. Seriously, I need another book from another, hopefully.

4.5⭐️

When Ophelia enters Phantasma, she must decide if she should follow everything she knows as a necromancer or throw caution to the wind.

Trials set in a haunted mansion in New Orleans? I’m sold. Give me a female necromancer and a phantom for a love interest? Say less. I’ve described this to my friends as a more grown up, slightly darker, spicy Casper. Which is something I didn’t know I needed. I also appreciated the OCD representation in this story.

I loved Ophelia and Blackwell. There was immediately chemistry and snarky banter which I loved. I found the trials based on the nine circles of hell fascinating. And the forbidden romance between our characters was the cherry on top. We have a couple mysteries in the story. I had a feeling about one, but the other took me by surprise. The gothic feel of this story is everything I needed for autumn + spooky season vibes. The next book has already been announced and I cannot wait for it!

Thank you to Second Sky for my arc.

Rating - 3.25 stars
Thank you to Forever for the advanced copy!

Phantasma is a dark fantasy romance with gothic vibes and mystery. The story revolves around a character named Ophelia, who joins in a mysterious competition called Phantasma in search of her sister. The competition consists of a series of violent trials, and the winner is granted a wish. The book contains a lot of violent imagery and gore, and the trials are quite compelling. Overall, I found the writing to be engaging, and I was eager to unravel the mystery. The romance aspect was decent, but I didn't feel fully engaged with it. As for the plot, I felt that the execution was lacking. The pacing of the story felt off, and there were moments when the excitement leading up to each trial was insufficient. Additionally, I found the world-building to be lacking, as many things were left unexplored.

While the revelations at the end were shocking, I wasn't fully invested to fully appreciate them. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy adult romance with similarities to Caraval.

This book follows Ophelia who has recently become a Necromancer and finds herself as a contestant in a deadly competition situated in Phantasma, a haunted mansion with deadly secrets and ancient powers.
To find her sister and pay off the family debt, Ophelia must stay alive while she battles through 9 levels of hell which forces her to confront her deepest fears and unravel the mysteries that lie at the heart of Phantasma.

The book is perfect for those who enjoyed movies and tv shows like Squid Games, Battle Royale and Hunger Games. There is plenty of gore and violent displays so please check trigger warnings before reading this book!

Read if you enjoy:
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Phantom x Necromancer
- Trials inspired by 9 circles of hell
- Haunted Mansion

Thank you Netgalley and Kylie Smith for the ebook.

Phantasma was a solid medium ranged novel for me. I struggled a bit with the pacing, it maybe that just the filler information between each trial was not my cup of tea. While I understand why it was there it wasn’t anything that helped the plot for me.
What I did love though, Blackwell, and his alluring character. While the spice was there and a fun break from the competition I think I would have done away with it.. I KNOW it is crazy for me. No spice?

Overall I enjoyed the story. I look forward reading the next novel but I am not craving it like I would if it hit all the marks that I personally love in a novel.

Ophelia’s mom has died, she’s just inherited her own necromancer magic, and her sister has decided to run off to the brand new manor house that’s appeared in the middle of New Orleans to compete in a deadly competition called Phantasma in search of clues about their moms secret past. It’s very Caraval but make it new adult. During the trials, Ophelia has to navigate the other competitors trying to kill her, the tasks almost killing her, and the budding relationship she has with a phantom who is trying to save her from dying from both.

This was fun and a little dark but nothing super crazy. I thought the disability rep was done extremely well. I feel like there were some questions left unanswered but I’m not sure if it was a flaw with the book or just an open storyline for the sequel. In any case, I really enjoyed it and am eager for book two.

“Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.”

What to expect:
*paranormal/gothic horror/fantasy
*phantom x necromancer
* powerful/magic-wielding FMC
*trials inspired by 9 circles of hell
*forbidden romance
*forced proximity
*who did this to you
*OCD representation

What I will start by saying is that I am a sucker for romance and that is what intrigued me after hearing about this book on social media. With gothic horror, again, we explored it in Year 9 at school but other than some dissection of poetry written by Edgar Allen Poe and Carol Ann Duffy, it was all pretty mild. I wasn't sure what to expect going into Phantasma, but it definitely did not disappoint as the perfect read for crisp mornings, yellowing leaves and spooky season!

This read was compelling with fantastic world-building, a great introduction to the plot and characters and convincing in how it spun the trials and tribulations of Phantasma. I had no idea about these "9 circles of hell" before I went in but it is not for the faint-hearted, although all were morbid and gruesome in their own way, the author was able to weave the plot within each stage and show significant character growth, the OCD representation was not just a brief mention but a very intrinsic aspect of the central character's thoughts and actions. Here though, I will mention that readers should check the trigger warnings as this read is not suitable for everyone.

The romance was gorgeous - banter, wit, sarcastic FMC and an egotistical, cocky MMC, the dialogue and interactions added to the plotline and the initial sparked made way for a gradual build up but ultimately the chemistry was undeniable. Expect spice and smut - lots of it! I would add that the writer ensured that every sexual encounter in the book was consensual.

This was an enjoyable read for me and I will admit I was a bit hesitant going in, hoping I could handle it as I am not a horror fan and never read books in that genre. If you expect that to be the main premise of this read/you are a horror fan, you might be disappointed for the same reason. That said, for me personally and any other similar readers who don't mind it not being too in your face, there was enough of an element for me to still squirm and yet able to continue reading, enjoy the read and finish the book (phew!) In parts, the read was predictable but it did not take away from my overall experience. This is a standalone and the first in the series but I am already looking forward to the next book!

I am thrilled now that the author has recently announced, Enchantra, set in the same world and due to release in April 2025! Expected more madness, mayhem and a banter-ful romance!

Trigger warnings: horror, gore, blood, injury detail, explicit sexual content. Please see the author's website for a complete list of possible triggers.

Thank you so much NetGalley and SecondSky Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.

This story is dark and so so lush! The romance is swoon worthy and mysterious from the start. I really love how the author pulls you into the setting and is very intentional about the word choices to ensure you stay swept up in the setting! I loved this book with every bone in my body.

4 ⭐️ 3🌶 CF-friendly

Phantasma is the first book in the Wicked Games series by Kaylie Smith. This dark fantasy romance has strong gothic vibes and imagery, mixed with life and death games, magic, ghosts, devils, and plenty of death and gore.

Ophelia is the heir to her family's necromancer bloodline after her mother dies suddenly. Her younger sister enters the deadly wish-granting game called Phantasma in order to pay off a family debt, but Ophelia follows after her. Blackwell has been part of Phantasma for as long as he can remember, and he offers a bargain to Ophelia to help her through the dangerous levels and cursed hallways of Phantasma to help her find her sister...for a price of course.

I will admit this book took me quite a while to get into. I really struggled to get through the chapters for quite a while. I had to make it to nearly the 50% mark before I began to actually be somewhat interested in the characters and plot. By the end I was enjoying it, but I still felt like there was just something about this book that wasn't connecting with me personally. I just can't put my finger on what it was. The writing is good, the plot is detailed and well thought out, the characters may be a bit flat at first, but you do see some character growth, in Ophelia more than the others. The spice was descent, nothing crazy or wild there, just decent. The levels she has to get through in her time in Phantasma are quite imaginative, props to the author there.

If you enjoy dark romantasy, gothic vibes, death games, curses, magic, ghosts of all kinds, devils, books with twists, turns and surprises, death and violence, then you will enjoy this book.